キープkiipu

1. suru verb, transitive verb, nounto keep (e.g. the lead); to maintain (a standard, situation, etc.)
   ＯＥＣＤの調査ちょうさで北欧ほくおう諸国しょこくが税率ぜいりつにおいて世界せかいの上位じょういをキープした。↗

   In the OECD survey, northern European countries are keeping their high ranking in tax-rates.
2. suru verb, transitive verb, nounto put aside (for someone); to save (e.g. a seat)
   この店みせは、ボトルをキープできるんですか。↗

   Can I reserve a bottle and have you keep it here for me?
3. suru verb, transitive verb, noun, sportsto keep (the ball; in soccer, rugby, etc.); to retain possession
4. suru verb, transitive verb, noun, sportsto hold service (in tennis)
5. nounperson one is dating while hoping for someone better

• Synonym維持いじWrittenWritten/formal prose. Means maintaining a certain level, as in 「現状維持」; 「キープ」 is more colloquial, for holding on to something or reserving it.
• Synonym保つたもつNeutralA verb for keeping a state unchanged, as in 「健康を保つ」; 「キープ」 also covers holding on to something and reserving a seat.
• Synonym保持ほじWrittenWritten/formal prose. Continuously holding a state or qualification, as in 「記録保持」; 「キープ」 is more colloquial and can also mean reserving.
• Synonym温存おんぞんWrittenWritten/formal prose. Saving something for later by not using it, as in 「体力を温存する」; 「キープ」 is about securing or reserving.
• Synonym持するじするFormalFormal and rare, mostly in old-fashioned prose and set phrases; to hold or keep. In everyday speech say 「保つ」 or 「キープ」.
• Related持続じぞくWrittenWritten/formal prose. A state or action lasting a long time, as in 「効果が持続する」; 「キープ」 is deliberately holding on to a state.
• Related継続けいぞくWrittenWritten/formal prose. Continuing an activity, as in 「継続は力なり」; 「キープ」 means holding a state or reserving, not carrying on with something.
• Related続けるつづけるNeutralA verb for continuing an action, as in 「勉強を続ける」; 「キープ」 focuses on keeping a state or position such as a ranking.
• Related保有ほゆうWrittenWritten/formal prose. Possessing something as one's own, as in 「株式を保有する」; 「キープ」 is about keeping a state or level, or reserving.
• Related残すのこすNeutralLeaving or keeping part of something behind, as in 「メモを残す」; 「キープ」 is deliberately securing something, like reserving a seat.
• Related保存ほぞんWrittenWritten/formal prose. Keeping something unchanged in storage, including saving data; 「キープ」 holds a state or reserves, and is not used for saving files.
• Related存続そんぞくWrittenWritten/formal prose. An organization or system continuing to exist, as in 「会社の存続」; 「キープ」 is actively keeping a state.
• Related守るまもるNeutralTo protect or abide by, and also to maintain, as in 「首位を守る」; 「キープ」 only means keeping or securing, with no sense of obeying.
• Related続行ぞっこうWrittenWritten/formal prose. Carrying on a match, meeting, etc. without interruption; 「キープ」 is about holding a state, not continuing an activity.
• Relatedし続けるしつづけるNeutralTo keep doing an action without stopping; 「キープ」 maintains a state or ranking and does not stress the ongoing action.
• Related持ち続けるもちつづけるNeutralTo hold on to something or keep a state for a long time; 「キープ」 is more colloquial and shorter, and can also mean reserving.
• Antonym手放すてばなすNeutralTo let go of or part with something you hold; the opposite of 「キープ」, which is to hold on to or keep something.
• Antonym放棄ほうきWrittenWritten/formal prose. Giving up rights, qualifications, etc.; the opposite of 「キープ」, which is to keep something.

Use 「キープ」 in everyday speech for holding on to something, reserving it, or keeping the ball, as in 「席をキープ」. For maintaining a state or level use 「保つ」 or 「維持」; for carrying on an activity use 「続ける」 or 「継続」; for owning assets use 「保有」. The opposite of keeping something is 「手放す」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 確保かくほする。保持ほじする。
2. バスケットボールなどの球技きゅうぎでボールを自分じぶんのチームで確保かくほすること。
3. サッカーなどの球技きゅうぎで自分じぶんのチームのゴールを守まもり、点てんを入いれさせないこと。
4. 居酒屋いざかやなどで自分じぶんの酒類しゅるいの瓶びんを預あずけておくこと。